Connect iPad Pro to your Mac or other computer

First, identify the ports on your computer. If your computer is a more recent model that has a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port, connect to it with the USB-C to USB-C cable that came with iPad Pro.

If your computer has only USB-A ports, you need a USB-A to USB-C cable to connect to iPad Pro. One example is the Belkin USB-A to USB-C Cable; many other USB-certified brands available in your country or region might also work. The correct cable has connectors that look like this:

Charge iPad Pro

To charge iPad Pro, connect the included USB-C cable to the device's USB-C port and to the included 18W power adapter. Then plug the adapter into a wall outlet.

If you have a higher-wattage USB-C power adapter — such as the one that came with your Mac notebook — you can use it with iPad Pro, and you might see faster charging. You can also charge iPad Pro by connecting it to the USB-C port on your computer.

Connect to displays and monitors

The USB-C port on iPad Pro connects to external displays so that you can watch video, play Keynote presentations, and more on a larger screen. Depending on the display that you're connecting to, you might need an adapter.

When you connect an external display, it mirrors the iPad Pro built-in display, unless you're using an app that has a "second screen" experience (such as a video app).

USB-C displays

iPad Pro uses the DisplayPort protocol to support connections to USB-C displays with resolutions up to 5K.1 To connect iPad Pro to high-resolution displays, use a USB-C cable that supports high-bandwidth connections, such as the cable included with the display, the Belkin USB-C to USB-C Cable, or the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable (sold separately).2

iPad Pro also supports high-dynamic-range USB-C displays that use the HDR10 standard. You can switch between SDR and HDR modes by going to Settings > Display & Brightness and selecting your connected display. iPad Pro matches the frame rate and dynamic range of currently playing content when you turn on Allow Display Mode Changes.

iPad Pro can output Dolby Digital Plus audio streams via HDMI, but not Dolby Atmos. Also note that iPad Pro will play HDR10 or Dolby Vision content via HDMI when HDMI 2.0 adapters that support these formats become available.

* When you use the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter with iPad Pro, its Home screen and apps appear on HDMI displays at 1080p and 60Hz. When you begin playing video content, the resolution switches to match the content, up to 4K at 30Hz. Turn on the Match Content option on iPad Pro in Settings > Displays.

Play audio

To play audio on iPad Pro, you can use its built-in speakers, connect to AirPods or other Bluetooth devices, or use AirPlay. You can also use the USB-C port to connect to USB-C docks, audio interfaces, or wired headphones that have a USB-C connector.

Connect to other devices

The USB-C port on iPad Pro allows connections to a variety of devices. For example, you can connect a digital camera or the Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader to import photos to your iPad Pro. Other USB devices you can connect to iPad Pro include these:

Hubs and docks

Keyboards

Audio interfaces and MIDI devices

External storage devices to import photos and videos

USB to Ethernet adapters

Depending on the device, you might need an adapter. Here are some common connections:

If the device that you're connecting to has a USB-C port, all you need is a cable with USB-C connectors on each end, such as the cable that came with iPad Pro.

If the device has a USB-C connector, you can plug it directly into the iPad Pro USB-C port.

If the device has a USB-A connector, you can plug it into the Apple USB-C to USB adapter, then plug the adapter into the iPad Pro USB-C port.

Use iPad Pro to charge other devices

Away from a power outlet and need to charge your iPhone, other iPad, Apple Watch, or third-party USB device? Just connect the right cable or adapter to iPad Pro to share its long-lasting battery with your other devices:

If you have two iPad Pro models with USB-C ports, you can connect them directly with a USB-C cable. One iPad Pro will draw power from the other. If you want to change which iPad Pro charges, unplug the USB-C cable and then reconnect them.

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